Palmer High
School Closure Update
Checking In, How Are We Doing?
This last week has been the start of our distance learning transition. At Palmer High, we have a dedicated staff of teachers that are always looking to improve their delivery of the curriculum. Many of them have been practicing a blended learning model for years. By definition, a blended learning model takes a formal learning setting (face-to-face classrooms) and uses electronics and online media to engage the student. In a balanced blended classroom, you will see some traditional delivery of lessons with engaging enrichment activities via online media.
With so many teachers already using this learning model, we hope that the transition to distance learning will be smoother. This week the goal was to ease into classwork with addressing our four core subjects first (math, science, social studies, and language arts).
This next week students will begin to look for information from their elective classes.
Many of the electives teachers will focus on a project-based learning model. This concept will have a final project that will have checkpoints along the way. Here is an excellent example of a CTE class project-based assignment: Mr. Egan, our auto shop teacher, is developing a final project with the results being a YouTube how-to video on a mechanical repair job for his advanced auto students. An oil change for a beginning student. How about an assignment where your student cooks a meal for the family?
Here is the bottom line: With a typical distance learning model, students will not be taking seven classes simultaneously. I've been consulting with John Brown, principal at Mat-Su Central. Mat-Su Central has the largest enrollment in the district, with 1970 students currently enrolled. One of the largest home-school models in the state. Mr. Brown indicated that high school students would typically have four classes a quarter for their distance learning schedule.
Now, our challenge at Palmer High and across the country and world is how do we successfully take what we were doing, and adjust it to create a successful model from home. I want to be very clear that we will adapt to the needs of our students and families. I want you to know that we are here to listen to struggles, and we will do everything we can to make this work for each student and family.
The early feedback is that families are overwhelmed with email communication. We have adjusted to this feedback, and we will continue to listen to feedback and adjust to the needs of our stakeholders. Reassure your kids that we are learning a whole new model of delivery and no student will be punished with poor grades as a result of the adversity of learning from home. We will make it right and try not to stress over the changes.
You need to know that the schedule we developed will not work for every student and family. If there are time constraints, digital limitations, life events that prevent you from following any of these structures in place, it is your student's right to exercise the flexibility to adjust with what works best for the student and family. Just know that the greatest challenge to students will be establishing a routine and being self-directed in getting tasks done.
Know that we are here to support you. Email or call anytime.
My direct office line is 746-8409. If I don't pick up, leave a voicemail because it sends an email to me immediately.
Stay hunkered down, take care of yourself and your loved ones,
Paul Reid- Principal
Palmer High Scool
Go Moose!!